Parenting Beneath Behaviour Series
Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also feel exhausting, confusing and, at times, overwhelming. These workshops are designed to help you look beyond behaviour and understand the why beneath it, exploring how trauma, neurodiversity and the nervous system shape the experiences of both children and parents.
Rather than focusing on quick fixes or behaviour management, each workshop aims to deepen your understanding, helping you feel more confident, more connected and better equipped to respond with curiosity, compassion and confidence.
What to Expect
Every workshop is designed to be welcoming, practical and supportive.
- Approximately 2 hours in length.
- Interactive and engaging, with opportunities to reflect and participate.
- No pressure to speak – you are welcome to contribute as much or as little as feels comfortable.
- A mixture of discussion, practical strategies, real-life examples and gentle activities to help bring learning to life.
- Time for questions and shared learning throughout the session.
- Small group sizes where possible, creating a relaxed and supportive environment.
- You’ll receive practical ideas and resources to take away and use after the workshop.
Workshops
Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
Behaviour only makes sense when we understand the brain behind it. This workshop helps you see your child in a new way.
Together we will explore
- Why neurodivergent brains experience the world differently
- Why behaviour is communication rather than choice
- How sensory experiences shape everyday life
- Why traditional parenting advice doesn’t always fit
You’ll leave with
- More understanding
- Less self-doubt and guilt
- More confidence to respond
Ideal if
You often feel confused or frustrated by behaviour that seems out of proportion.
Big Emotions: Anger, Meltdowns and Emotional Regulation
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
Big emotions can feel overwhelming for everyone. Learn why they happen and how to respond in ways that build connection rather than conflict.
Together we will explore
- Meltdowns, shutdowns and overwhelm
- Why emotions escalate
- Co-regulation
- What emotions communicate
You’ll leave with
- Understanding emotions
- Greater Compassion
- Confidence recognising needs
Ideal if
Big emotions dominate family life.
Understanding the Nervous System
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
When the nervous system feels overwhelmed, behaviour changes. Learn how stress and safety influence your child's behaviour.
Together we will explore
- The nervous system explained simply
- Recognising stress and overwhelm
- Window of tolerance
- Creating safety through regulation
You’ll leave with
- Understanding stress responses
- Simple regulation tools
- A calmer perspective
Ideal if
Your child (or you) often feels anxious, overwhelmed or on edge
Executive Function: Why Everyday Tasks Feel So Hard
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
It's not about laziness or defiance. Discover the hidden skills behind planning, organisation and getting started.
Together we will explore
- Executive function explained
- Planning, organisation and transitions
- Why everyday tasks become battles
- Practical supports that really help
You’ll leave with
- You’ll leave with;
- Understanding stress responses
- Reduced frustration
- Realistic Expectations
Ideal if
Everyday routines feel like a constant battle.
Masking and Burnout
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
Masking comes at a high emotional cost. Learn to recognise the signs and support recovery
Together we will explore
- Together we will explore;
- What masking is and why it happens
- The emotional cost
- Recognising burnout
- Supporting recovery and authenticity
You’ll leave with
- Understanding masking
- Ways to reduce pressure
- Confidence to support recovery
Ideal if
Your child seems exhausted, withdrawn or ‘holds it together’ until home.
School Avoidance, Trauma and Rebuilding Safety
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
School can become overwhelming for many neurodivergent children and their parents. Explore compassionate ways to rebuild safety and confidence.
Together we will explore
- Why school feels unsafe
- The links with trauma and anxiety
- Rebuilding safety
- Working alongside school
You’ll leave with
- Understanding school based anxiety
- Reduced guilt
- Confidence to advocate
Ideal if
Your child seems exhausted, withdrawn or ‘holds it together’ until home.
Parenting Without Burnout
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
You can't pour from an empty cup. This workshop focuses on supporting your nervous system so you can support your child.
Together we will explore
- Why parent burnout happens
- Looking after your own nervous system
- Boundaries and self-care
- Reducing guilt
You’ll leave with
- Permission to care for yourself
- Reduced guilt
- Kinder understanding of yourself
Ideal if
You feel constantly tired, touched out or overwhelmed.
When Home Doesn't Feel Safe
Why Parents Choose this Workshop
A compassionate look at child-to-parent aggression, understanding the causes and practical ways to increase safety.
Together we will explore
- Why aggressive behaviour happens
- The impact on parents and siblings
- Repairing relationships
You’ll leave with
- Permission to care for yourself
- Reduced guilt
- Kinder understanding of yourself
Ideal if
You are experiencing challenging or aggressive behaviour at home.
Dates for booking
New dates coming soon
How to book
To book, download the booking form and email it to [email protected].
Workshops run online and in person in Central Milton Keynes.
For support in the meantime, explore the Blog and the Resource Hub, and follow Sam Lewis Therapy on Facebook.